Many dog and cat owners see the vet for coat or skin problems. A dog may be itchy or have a scaling coat, bald spots, red skin or pimples, or a stinking coat. In many cases the diagnosis is pyoderma. It means that another illness has in fact been causing the skin or coat problem. Pyoderma is a scientific name for skin disorders caused by bacteria.

This is very common. The underlying problem is usually an allergy or hormonal disease. This ‘underlying disease’ undermines the dog’s resistance, allowing the normal skin bacteria to multiply. The result is inflammation, especially when the skin has been damaged. Pyoderma comes in different forms, depending on the depth of the disorder. The recommended treatment depends on the form.

For an in-depth report on this subject, please read the article under the title of ‘Skin complaints’ in our next newsletter. Increase the resistance of dogs suffering from allergy or hormonal disorders by proper food. Dogs that are regularly feeding on fresh meat are rarely suffering from such disorders. Such food may also reduce the symptoms of existing disorders. As an additional treatment the use of antiseptic remedies may be considered.